Sweden has paused the rollout of the Moderna Covid vaccine for younger people amid concerns over rare cardiovascular side effects.
The Swedish health body says that the jab will not be given to those born in 1991 and later while a review is carried out on the vaccine - which is also approved for use in Scotland.
It comes after data pointed to an increase of myocarditis and pericarditis among youths and young adults that have been vaccinated.
The conditions cause an inflammation of the heart of its lining - but the risks are said to be very small.
“The connection is especially clear when it comes to Moderna’s vaccine Spikevax, especially after the second dose”, the Swedish health agency said.
Young people will now be given the Pfizer/Biontech vaccine while the rollout of the Moderna jab for those age groups is halted.
A decision on the continued use of the Spikevax vaccine is expected after December 1.
The American pharmaceutical company said that it was aware of the decision made by regulators in Sweden.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “These are typically mild cases and individuals tend to recover within a short time following standard treatment and rest.
“The risk of myocarditis is substantially increased for those who contract Covid-19, and vaccination is the best way to protect against this.”
One US study, which is yet to undergo a peer review, found that young males under 20 are up to six times more likely to develop myocarditis after contracting Covid then those who have been vaccinated.
The latest Scottish Government data shows that more than 150,000 Scots have been given two doses of Moderna’s Spikevax jab.
Other vaccines administered in Scotland are ones produced by AstraZeneca and Pfizer/Biontech.
Almost 90% of Scots have been double-vaccinated against Covid.
The most vulnerable Scots are now in the process of being given a third dose of the coronavirus vaccine in a bid to protect those groups throughout the winter months.
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